John Obi Mikel refuses to pay Nigeria fine after visit to father

07 October 2011 08:14

Chelsea star John Obi Mikel is caught up in an international row with his country Nigeria after refusing to pay a ?3,220 fine for arriving late to training.

The midfielder was ordered to report for duty by midnight on Tuesday but delayed his arrival until Wednesday.

It is understood the 24-year-old did notlink up with Super Eagles 22-man squad as requested after deciding to pay a visit to his father in the central Nigerian town of Jos.

Not paying: John Obi Mikel has refused to settle a fine for turning up late to Nigeria's squad meeting

Obi Mikel's father Michael Obi was freed in August after suffering a 10-day kidnap ordeal, where he was beaten 'mercilessly' by his captors, and it is believed the player paid an emotional visit.

The Blues star is refusing to settle a team fine for missing the set meeting deadline, casting a shadow over Nigeria's preparations ahead of their crunch 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea.

'No, I don't think I will pay any fine because I did not do anything wrong,' he said.

Emotional visit: It is understood the Blues star was late after spending time his father, Michael Obi (R), who had recently been freed following a kidnap ordeal

'I have reported to the camp and I have a very, very genuine reason (for not coming until Wednesday).

'If the manager (Samson Siasia) would tell Nigerians my reason, anyone in that situation will reason with me.'

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